new to a shotgun...newbie questions?

[sugar cube]

i got a remington 870 express in 12 gauge i was told i dont need a license 4 it since it aint a concealed weapon in pennsylvania do i need some kind of permit then or anything? before hunting somebody told me i need it zoned to make sure it shoots in a straight line??? cant i do that myself at the shooting range? i dont want 2 put a scope on it should i though 4 hunting??? how often should i clean it and the choke tube?

 

[chris w]

No license is need to own it. You will need a hunting license. Do take it to a range to do a test pattern shot with a few different brands of shells this will give you an idea where your shot gun concentrates the pellets at with different loads. No scope is needed for bird shooting and close range buck shot but should you change barrels to use slugs then a low power scope would be handy. Clean it lightly after every time you use it thoroughly when the season is over and before she gets put away for awhile.